Let's together with Saigon Local Tour discover the top national parks in Vietnam with our complete 2025 guide. Learn how many national parks are in Vietnam, the most beautiful parks, and the best ones near Ho Chi Minh City for your next eco-adventure.
A Complete Guide to National Parks in Vietnam
From misty mountain peaks and dense rainforests to lush deltas and rare wildlife sanctuaries, Vietnam national parks offer a spectacular blend of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty. Whether you're an eco-tourist, wildlife photographer, hiking enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking fresh air away from the city, national parks in Vietnam provide unmatched experiences that highlight the country’s natural riches.
In this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll discover not only the most beautiful national parks in Vietnam, but also how to reach them, what to do there, and which ones are closest to major cities like Ho Chi Minh City. We'll answer key traveler questions, give you insider tips, and help you choose the right Vietnam national park for your journey.
How Many National Parks Are There in Vietnam?
As of 2025, there are officially 34 national parks in Vietnam, each designated as protected areas by the Vietnamese government for the conservation of wildlife, biodiversity, and cultural landscapes. These parks span the entire length of the country, from the remote mountainous regions of the north to the fertile wetlands of the south.
Among them, several are recognized internationally by UNESCO or the Ramsar Convention for their global ecological significance, such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Cat Tien, and Ba Be National Park.
Top 15+ National Parks in Vietnam Worth Exploring
With a total of 34 officially recognized national parks, Vietnam is a paradise for eco-travelers. Each Vietnam national park is unique — from karst mountain ranges in the north, tropical rainforests in the central highlands, to vast wetlands in the Mekong Delta. Whether you are seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or peaceful natural landscapes, these are the most spectacular national parks in Vietnam worth adding to your travel bucket list.
National Parks in Northern Vietnam
Ba Be National Park
Tucked away in the mountainous northeast, Ba Be is a scenic blend of limestone cliffs, dense forests, and tranquil freshwater lakes. At the heart of the park is Ba Be Lake — Vietnam’s largest natural lake — surrounded by misty peaks and ethnic minority villages. Boat rides across the lake take you past caves, waterfalls, and sacred temples.
You can also stay with local Tay families in traditional stilt houses, offering cultural insight and authentic home-cooked meals. This national park in Vietnam is perfect for peaceful nature getaways, kayaking, and eco-cultural
Cuc Phuong National Park
As Vietnam’s very first national park, Cuc Phuong holds historical and ecological significance. Located just a few hours from Hanoi, it’s a hub for biodiversity research and conservation education. Visitors can walk under a canopy of centuries-old trees, explore caves with ancient human relics, and admire hundreds of butterfly species during spring.
The park also houses the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, which protects langurs, gibbons, and lorises. Ideal for educational day trips or overnight eco-retreats, Cuc Phuong offers a rare chance to experience Vietnam’s original rainforest heritage.
Cat Ba National Park
Part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, this northern Vietnam national park is both a biodiversity hotspot and a gateway to Lan Ha Bay, an alternative to Halong Bay. The park offers a mix of forest hiking trails, limestone peaks, and coastal ecosystems. Treks to Ngu Lam Peak provide panoramic views, while boat trips let you access hidden caves and floating fishing villages.
Cat Ba is also the only place in the world where the critically endangered Cat Ba langur still survives. Its unique blend of marine and terrestrial biodiversity makes it a must-see for ecotourists.
Hoang Lien National Park
This alpine park in Lao Cai province is most famous for being home to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. Whether you take a multi-day trek or ride the cable car to the summit, the views are spectacular. But Hoang Lien offers more than just Fansipan — it contains cloud forests, alpine meadows, and ancient bamboo groves. Hmong and Dao minority communities live within and around the park, providing cultural interactions for visitors. Serious hikers and nature photographers will find this one of the most challenging and rewarding national parks in Vietnam.
Tam Dao National Park
Situated just 80 km from Hanoi, Tam Dao is an easy getaway for those seeking cool mountain air and misty forests. The park features dense vegetation, stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and walking trails through cloud-covered ridges. It's also a biodiversity hub, with numerous bird species, orchids, and amphibians. The nearby Tam Dao town offers charming French colonial buildings, cafes, and mountain resorts. Whether you’re hiking, photographing, or just relaxing, Tam Dao provides a quick yet rewarding escape from the capital.
Ba Vi National Park
Located just 60 kilometers west of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is a tranquil gem among the many national parks in Vietnam. As one of the most accessible nature reserves in northern Vietnam, Ba Vi offers an easy yet immersive retreat into misty mountains, sacred temples, and cool pine forests.
In addition to its cultural and historical charm, Ba Vi National Park boasts a rich ecosystem with over 1,200 species of plants and diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers will be delighted by sightings of pheasants, woodpeckers, and other native species, while lucky hikers may spot deer or civets along the trails.
The park also houses a botanical garden and medicinal herb conservation area, where travelers can learn about traditional Vietnamese herbal remedies. Ba Vi is suitable for all levels of visitors—from families and couples to solo explorers—thanks to its well-maintained paths, signage, and accommodation options.
National Parks in Central Vietnam
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Located in Quang Binh Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the most spectacular vietnam national park for cave lovers and geologists. The park’s biggest highlight is Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world, discovered only in 2009. Other cave systems such as Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, and Hang En offer surreal experiences with underground rivers, giant stalactites, and hidden jungles.
Adventure tours often include jungle trekking, river wading, and overnight cave camping. With over 300 caves, rich biodiversity, and unique karst landscapes, Phong Nha – Ke Bang is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Bach Ma National Park
Nestled in the Annamite Mountains near Hue, Bach Ma offers cooler temperatures, French colonial ruins, and dense forest trails. The park is famed for its scenic views, especially from the Hai Vong Dai Summit, which provides 360-degree panoramas of the coast and mountain ranges. Hiking routes like the Five Lakes Trail and Do Quyen Waterfall are popular with both locals and international visitors. Bach Ma is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 300 species recorded. If you're traveling between Hue and Da Nang, this serene national park in Vietnam is a rewarding detour.
Nui Chua National Park
Positioned along the south-central coast, Nui Chua is one of Vietnam’s driest areas and a rare example of dry tropical forest. It’s also a sea turtle conservation zone, where visitors (under supervision) can witness nesting activities. The rocky coastline, coral reefs, and clear waters make Nui Chua ideal for eco-beach getaways and marine life exploration. Inland, the park contains unique flora and fauna that have adapted to the arid conditions. It’s a fascinating mix of desert, forest, and sea — perfect for those wanting something different from the usual jungle landscape.
Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Located in Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands, Kon Ka Kinh is a lesser-known but ecologically rich reserve. The park sits in a transition zone between northern and southern flora, resulting in incredible botanical diversity. Waterfalls, forest trails, and wildlife like gibbons, hornbills, and flying squirrels can be found here. With low visitor numbers, it offers a sense of solitude and untouched beauty. It’s ideal for trekkers and conservation-minded tourists looking to explore Vietnam’s highlands away from the crowds.
Chu Yang Sin National Park
Located in Dak Lak Province, Chu Yang Sin is known for its rugged terrain and high peaks, including its namesake mountain. It’s a hotspot for birdwatching, with many endemic species, and home to a wealth of native flora and fauna. Due to its remote location, the park is rarely crowded and remains one of Vietnam’s least explored. Trails can be challenging, but the reward lies in the pure serenity and scientific value of the ecosystems. Ideal for serious naturalists and those seeking untouched wilderness.
Pu Mat National Park
Part of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, Pu Mat is a vast stretch of forested mountains in north-central Vietnam. Its remote location means fewer tourists — but that’s part of its charm. Trekking here feels truly wild, with dramatic waterfalls, hidden caves, and encounters with local Thai and Hmong ethnic communities. The park is also home to rare species such as the Saola, also known as the “Asian Unicorn,” which remains elusive even to researchers. For travelers who enjoy rugged adventure and cultural immersion, Pu Mat is one of the most underrated national parks in Vietnam.
National Parks in Southern Vietnam
Cat Tien National Park
Only about 150 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien is the most accessible southern Vietnam national park. This tropical lowland rainforest is home to incredible biodiversity, including endangered primates, civets, deer, crocodiles, and over 350 species of birds. Popular activities include trekking through ancient forest trails, kayaking on the Dong Nai River, joining early-morning gibbon treks, and night safaris to spot nocturnal creatures.
Visitors can also explore the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Center, which rescues and rehabilitates rare monkeys and gibbons. For those visiting from Saigon, Cat Tien is the best choice for an immersive wildlife experience in just a weekend.
Discover our top-rated Nam Cat Tien National Park Tour – a perfect getaway just hours from Ho Chi Minh City, featuring gibbon treks, night safaris, and unforgettable rainforest experiences.
Tram Chim National Park
Located in the Mekong Delta, Tram Chim is a wetland wonderland and a Ramsar-recognized site for its international importance. The park becomes a haven for birdwatching during the dry season (December to May), when thousands of migratory birds arrive, including the elegant Sarus Crane, one of the tallest flying birds in the world. Boat tours allow visitors to navigate through flooded grasslands and watch wildlife in silence. This park showcases Vietnam’s efforts in sustainable wetland conservation and offers a unique side of the country far removed from the mountains and jungles.
U Minh Thuong & U Minh Ha National Parks
These two sister parks protect the rare peat swamp forests of the southern Mekong region. With hauntingly beautiful flooded forests and thick, moss-covered trees, U Minh offers an entirely different vibe compared to other national parks in Vietnam. Canoe rides through narrow water channels bring visitors face to face with snakes, monkeys, and birdlife. The area also plays a significant cultural role, being closely associated with Vietnam’s wartime resistance in the south. If you’re curious about Vietnam’s ecological and historical roots, U Minh is a place of quiet intrigue.
Yok Don National Park
Spanning over 115,000 hectares, Yok Don is one of the largest national parks in Vietnam and is especially known for its dry deciduous forests — a rarity in the region. It is also the only park in Vietnam that practices ethical elephant tourism, allowing rescued elephants to roam freely rather than perform tricks. Visitors can go birdwatching, take forest treks, and even camp overnight. For travelers who want to support sustainable animal conservation, Yok Don is a meaningful destination.
Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve
Though not a national park by name, this coastal reserve located near Vung Tau is often included in Vietnam’s eco-tourism circuits. The area features dense forests, natural hot springs, and untouched beaches. It’s ideal for quick weekend retreats and light hiking. With minimal development and plenty of nature trails, this reserve offers a peaceful setting for rest and renewal.
Ready to trade city noise for birdsong and jungle trails? Whether you're planning a weekend escape to Cat Tien or a multi-week journey across Vietnam’s natural wonders, let us help you craft the perfect itinerary. At Saigon Local Tour, we specialize in authentic eco-adventures designed for international travelers who seek more than just sightseeing.
Book with confidence, travel with purpose, and let Vietnam’s wild heart leave you breathless.
Visit our official website: https://www.saigonlocaltour.com/ to have support from our Saigon local experts or discover Saigon – Mekong – Nam Cat Tien National Park Tour – 7 Daysto explore the beauty of Vietnam national park!
